International Resource Center

A new study published in Global Health Promotion reviewed data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) between 1999 and 2008.

GYTS is a school-based survey that collects data from students aged 13-15 years. The paper focuses on changes in youth tobacco use using data from 100 geographically defined areas (sites) that have conducted repeat surveys. These sites are located in countries in the six WHO regions. More than half a million students between the ages of 13 and 15 have participated in GYTS.

Study Findings

Out of 100 country-level and sub-national sites:

• A majority of the sites (61) reported no change in cigarette prevalence among youth.
• Only 27 sites reported a decrease in cigarette prevalence while 10 sites reported an increase.
• 34 sites reported an increase in other tobacco use—this appeared to be due to an increase of waterpipe use.
• There was evidence to support the fact that tobacco use among adolescent girls may be increasing.

Key Messages

• Countries should implement comprehensive tobacco control policies to decrease tobacco use among current smokers and deter youth from starting to smoke. Comprehensive policies include a 100 percent smoke-free ban, a complete ban on tobacco marketing, large, graphic warning labels on tobacco packages, and high tobacco taxes to increase tobacco prices.

Full citation: Warren C, Lea V, Lee J, Jones NR, Asma S, McKenna M. Change in tobacco use among 13 15 year olds between 1999 and 2008: findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Global Health Promotion. 2009;16:38-90.

If you have questions about the study or how you may use it in your advocacy efforts, please contact Miranda Wang.